Optical performance of chemically vapour-deposited diamond at infrared wavelengths

The optical parameters which determine the performance of chemically vapour -deposited diamond samples as imaging and power-handling windows have been investigated. These parameters include: modulation transfer function, absor ption and laser-induced damage threshold at similar to 10 mu m wavelengths. The diamond component has to be fashioned in an optically accurate form an d therefore current geometrical precision capabilities are discussed, inclu ding the manufacture of curved samples suitable for laser cavity output cou plers. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science S.A. All rights reserved.